To whom I shall give some money so I could have a long and healthy life?
I've been in many "funny" situations with my health issues and found out that in the health system and pharmacy is everything more important than health of the patient. I will say now at the beginning of this post that there are many exceptions, I've really met a lot of nice and helpful people in medical system but I've also seen much more corrupted and rude doctors and medical workers. Before I have experienced this uncomfortable situations, I couldn't believe that all stories about bribery and corruption in medicine and pharmacy are actually true!
If you are waiting in a long line to see your doctor or specialist and you see a lady or a gentleman with few bags full of her/his domestic products, you know what is all about.
But we must draw a line between bribery an decency.
I was waiting in the long line for blood sampling and I felt quiet sick and people in this line could notice that. One kind person, an older nurse noticed that I am about to throw up and took me in the lab before all those people who were waiting in front of me. I wasn't feel comfortable about that, but nurse told me that I look much sicker than most of them and that a lot of people in that line come to make this blood test every two weeks and that they are not sick at all, just scared of it.
Few days later, when I got better, I bought a chocolate to this kind nurse and I don't think that act was any kind of bribery. I just felt that I need to show my gratitude.
The real problem is much bigger than this chocolate.
I talk about a thousands of Euros which people bring to their doctors in envelopes every day. One of that doctors, very appreciated specialist on his field, asked me directly for the money, if I want to hurry all examinations and if I want to get the best medicine for my condition.
Of course that I rejected that offer and I never visited his ambulance again.
Later I was talking to a person who visited the same doctor few months before me. He told me that is normal for that kind of specialist to ask money of the patients. Actually, that person bribed the same doctor with a large sum of money and got the best treatment much sooner than any other patient with more serious issue than him.
Many people say that it is very wise to bribe a doctor.
It became to be normal thing in society of my country and I believe that these situations are same in every part of the world. I didn't want and I still don't want to be a part of that system, so I am the one who waits six months for MRI or stationed physical therapy. So, I waited for six months for MRI of my spine and came to clinic at 9 AM, but waited until 11:30 AM because a doctor's friend had the advantage.
I also waited in a long line of nervous people and doctor was late. The last in line was very beautiful and sexy lady and, when doctor showed up in the hall, he immediately began to flatter with her and asked for her name.
Then he went into ambulance and started to call patients in, and guess who did he call first!
The bribery in pharmacy is completely legal.
And we are part of that system, it doesn't matter if we want that or not. For example, let's say that you have strong headache and you went to see your doctor. So, he gives you a prescription for a drug which could help you. But there are many same medical drugs from different manufacturers and your doctor strongly recommends that you should take the medicine of that specific pharmacy company.
When you look at the wall or door in the ambulance, you could see a sticker or a poster with a logo of the same pharmacy company that your doctor promotes so actively. And the same manufacturer provides your doctor with equipment and benefits.
And what about Hippocratic Oath?
Those words had grater value in the past. Today, new and young doctors say that words with their hearts but later, the system corrupts them. I met only few honest and fair doctors who really care about patient's problems and want to help without any stimulus or bribe for that.